The march in Glasgow drew up to 35,000 people according to police, or 100,000 according to organisers.
Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

The organiser of a pro-independence march in Glasgow is facing prosecution over the event’s start time.

Manny Singh, who helped run the All Under One Banner march last Saturday, has been charged for failing to follow the timings and restrictions for the event, which police estimated drew between 30,000 and 35,000 people. Organisers said 100,000 people attended.

Singh claimed on Monday he had been arrested for refusing to “bend a knee to the British empire”.

Glasgow city council’s processions committee gave the go-ahead for the march last month but told organisers to move the start time from 1.30pm to 11am because of concerns from the police and fire service about disruption to the city centre and public safety.

The committee, which is made up of two Scottish National party councillors and one Scottish Green councillor, said marchers should assemble from 10am in Kelvingrove Park. However, the event’s organisers continued to ask participants to meet at 1pm and leave the park at 1.30pm.

In a post on his Facebook page, Singh, 39, said: “I always knew that the unionist Glasgow city council could push for this. I evaluated the risks to myself and only myself what would happen if I defied GCC and their ridiculous demands to keep numbers low.

“Worst case a heavy fine and three months’ custodial sentence. That is nothing compared to others not just in Scotland but worldwide. Who endured death, torture, jail to make their nations free.”

He claimed the police “had orders from above to arrest me”, and added: “I always have said when trying to fight the British empire you can bend a knee and sell out. Or you do what is necessary to make your country free without harming another.”

Singh was charged under section 65 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, which details offences by those organising public processions. The offence can carry a fine of up to £2,500, three months in prison, or both.

Police Scotland said: “Police can confirm that a 39-year-old man will be the subject of a report to the procurator fiscal for failing to comply with conditions imposed on a procession.”